Khulna: Once completed, the bridge over the Shibsha River in Khulna's Paikgacha upazila will directly connect more than five lakh residents of five surrounding upazilas to Khulna city, significantly improving the region's road communication and transport system. Authorities and locals believe the bridge will open new horizons in regional connectivity and commerce in the country's southwest zone.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is overseeing the construction of this 748-meter-long and 9.8-meter-wide bridge under the Rural Connectivity Improvement Project (RCIP) in Paikgacha. The bridge is being constructed at Chainage 2,300 meters on the Paikgacha GC-Laskar Bazar-Baintala-Bogurachak-Shurikhali-Bhandar Pol-Gilabari GC road, with National Development Engineering Ltd. (NDE) implementing the project at a cost of Taka 120 crore.
Construction began in September 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2026. So far, 63 percent of the work has been completed. Upon completion, the bridge will connect Paikgacha and neighboring upazilas, including Koyra, Dacope, Batiaghata, Terokhada, and Ashashuni of Satkhira, as well as Khulna city, enabling faster and smoother travel. Locals believe it will significantly benefit trade and transportation in the area.
Shahidul Islam, a local resident, expressed relief at the progress, stating the bridge will ease travel for medical or urgent needs. Local businessman Solaiman Gazi noted the rapid pace of construction and anticipated improvements in communication and trade, particularly benefiting fish farming. Another businessman from Paikgacha, Shahin Goldar, highlighted the current challenges of river crossing and looked forward to the bridge simplifying access to Paikgacha town.
Laskar Union Parishad Acting Chairman Jahangir Alam mentioned potential improvements in local transportation but also raised concerns about road damage from heavy trucks transporting construction materials. He acknowledged that although the bridge's route has changed, overall regional connectivity will still see enhancements.
Assistant Engineer Sajal Biswas, overseeing the project, confirmed the fast progress and completion expectations by 2026. A roundabout is planned to improve access for residents of Gorai Khali, Kharial, Koyra, and Bardal-Ashashuni. Project Manager Saheb Ali confirmed satisfactory progress with plans to complete all work by mid-next year, while Paikgacha Upazila Engineer Shafin Shoaib provided an update on the near completion of bridge piles.
Paikgacha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Maheera Nazneen expressed optimism that the bridge will benefit not only Paikgacha but also several nearby upazilas, with hopes for opening within the scheduled time.